A brief history of SAW

Our Story...

We'd been sitting around the table for almost an hour, sorting through our frustrations about work: a disappointing lack of trust, uncertain job security coupled with an increasing workload, the longing for greater connection and meaning. "What questions are emerging from our stories?" the conversation facilitator had just wondered to the group. The business professionals fell silent for a moment, reflecting soberly. Then an attorney spoke into the silence, "My question is simple, really: wherein lies our hope?"

Spirituality At Work began as an experiment: a small group of individuals whose spiritual roots lay in the Christian tradition met to explore the relationship between their work and their faith. Facilitated by Whitney Roberson, a graduate student studying theology and transformative learning, the conversations developed into a project to discover how participants might open up "conversation spaces" in which they could help each other integrate the inner life of spirit with the outer life of work. They hoped to deepen their own sense of meaning and purpose and wondered how they could create "circles of hope," moving themselves, their work and their workplaces toward a deeper wholeness.

Since that first conversation, Spirituality At Work (SAW) has become a community concerned with exploring links between what we do, who we are, and what we believe. We've initiated and facilitated conversations in which participants have sought a deeper awareness of the reality of Spirit in their lives. We formed our own organization and received funding to expand our conversations, consulting with individuals and communities and providing resources for their use. We've now moved beyond organization, returning to a less-structured community. We remain committed, however, to offering what we've learned to others who share our vision and who wish to form communities of encouragement, and to empower one another as agents of hope in their work contexts. Life and Livelihood, our handbook for spirituality at work conversation, is one such offering. In addition, we offer workshops, retreats, and presentations for organizations hoping to convene or facilitate conversation groups or wanting to explore the connections between soul and work.

We invite you to get in touch with us if you have questions, comments or simply want to share what you're learning. Welcome to the conversation!